Huggins, a 6-foot-3, 315-pounder, has made 24 tackles this season with 3.5 tackles for loss, and his 11 quarterback pressures ranks third-best on the team.

Lawrence already has offered him plenty of encouragement – and there’s bound to be more to come before the game kicks off Saturday.

“He tells me to keep grinding – he’s been a coach on the field,” Huggins said. “He’s been having a whistle, blowing it every now and again.

“I ask him about everything I do, make sure everything’s good. We really haven’t had that heart-to-heart (talk) yet. I think it’s going to come before the game, but whenever we have it it’s going to be special.”

And Huggins hopes to muster a special game at a special time. Despite his limited playing time, Huggins has the potential to play at the next level, according to NFL scouts.

Some draft analysts have Huggins ranked among the top 10 defensive tackle prospects.

“When I get an opportunity to go to the league, I’m just going to take advantage of it – give it my all,” Huggins said. “Whatever happens happens. As long as I know I gave it my all, I’m fine.”